Darren Sammy-led unit are likely to face Quetta Gladiators in qualifier one
11 March, 2019
PHOTO: PCB
Peshawar Zalmi will be looking to end their round-robin Habib Bank Limited (HBL) Pakistan Super League (PSL) campaign on a high with a win, as they meet Karachi Kings on Monday, March 11 at the National Stadium in Karachi.
Zalmi currently have 12 points from nine games with six wins and three defeats and are placed second on the table, behind table-toppers Quetta Gladiators.
A win against the Kings will all but guarantee their match against Quetta Gladiators, the qualifier one of HBL PSL season four — which is scheduled to take place in Karachi on Wednesday, March 13.
Zalmi’s veteran middle-order batsman and former Pakistan Misbahul Haq was pleased with the progress of his side, during the tournament so far.
While speaking to pakpassion.net in an exclusive interview, Misbah said that he enjoys playing under the captain of Windies cricketer Darren Sammy.
“I am really enjoying playing under the captaincy of Darren Sammy and alongside the likes of Andre Fletcher and Kieron Pollard,” said Misbah. “The team atmosphere is really good, and I am really enjoying the way we have progressed through this tournament.”
He added that there isn’t much of a difference despite playing for a different franchise this year. It must be noted that Misbah played for defending champions Islamabad United, during the first three editions of HBL PSL.
“It's been a great experience and gone really well. Of course, it’s a new franchise that I am playing for and most of the players I am playing with are experienced professionals so there's not much difference as compared to my last side, Islamabad United. I suppose the colour of kit is different, but the professionalism is the same,” he said.
Despite being aged 44, Misbah enjoys the game with the same vigour and determination.
“I believe it’s all down to one’s passion for the game and the enjoyment one gets out of playing cricket,” he said. “These two things keep you going all the time and this is why I am still playing cricket.”
He also stressed on the role played by domestic cricket in prolonging his career.
“I played the first-class season, and this is exactly what is driving me to play and give my best at the HBL PSL for the fourth season in a row. The enjoyment factor for me is still there and I don’t mind going out there and putting in the hard-work needed to play this game otherwise,” he said.
Although Misbah admitted that playing at this age was difficult but motivation is what keeps him going.
“It's not any easier even at the age of 35 or 36, let alone 44! The fact is that if you lose interest in the game, then no amount of motivation will work in this case,” he concluded.
